jack2k5

Hello,

I just changed a pair of new tires on my 2008 535i (after running for 20000 miles). I change these two tires at Costco and I am using Michelen Pilot Sport A/S plus ultra performance 275/35ZR18 95Y PS AS+ type of non-run flat tire.

After the tire change, I notice that when I drive at a high speed (around 70~80 mph), the car will drift on a very small scale on occasions. It feels like alignment issue but because it drift from right to left, left to right on a small scale, it might not be an alignment issue.

Do you have problems like this before? Is this normal for a new tire change? thanks for any inputs.

Jack

pukka

If it only drifts on a small scale at the speed you mentioned I wouldn't be too concerned. Road imperfections and wind resistance could be making you drift. The important thing is that you don't have any wheel vibrations or large scale drifts.

I usually get a complete alignment done whenever I replace the front tires.

jack2k5

Thanks for your reply. Actually I thought of the wind factor too. That's why I wasn't concern too much for the last two days. However, when my wife told me yesterday that she felt the car is running differently, I got concerned. I will bring it in for Costco to look at it today. If necessary, I will also do the alignment.

rictor

If you are running on grooved pavement and the tires are directional it may also be what's referred to as "Tramlining". Basically the tires are following the grooves in the road. It gives you a nice wiggle like driving over a steel bridge.

hail

I have a question for all since we are on the subject, yesterday I had to replace a tire on my 06 530 ( the Bridgestone RFTs) and the sucker is very expensive. I'm thinking of doing what the OP did and switching to Pilots. the question is, whats the trade off besides the ability to run on flat which I dont think is much of a plus.

thx

luigi524td

If you already have a compact spare and tire-change equipment in the trunk you are good to switch (all 4) tires to conventional tires. Even when buying the high-priced alternatives you'll be spending about $100+ per tire. And since you have ETM's and not TPMS the switchover is easy for most good tire shops to handle. If you don't, those necessary items are available at dealers or are sometimes sold by forum posters.

Even if you decide to buy locally, shop TireRack for options and price comparisons ... try the link in my signature for coupons, rebates, and additional discounts.

NoName545i

tire shop told me "PLEASE get alignment no more than 500 miles on new tires..."

especially if you're spending the money on new tires $150-200 on alignment would not hurt

luigi524td

+1 ... especially if your old tires showed any uneven tread wear.

BMWs are particularly sensitive to tire pressure.

Check the recommended tire pressure sticker on the driver side door jamb and confirm your tires are correctly inflated all around. Sometimes the tire installers wing it and the wrong tire inflation can make a big difference in how your car handles & drives.

NoName545i

Very true even the Dealer always over inflates my tire to 40 PSI every time. I have mine at 32 psi front and 35 psi rear

jack2k5

Hi,

Just got back from Costco Tire Center. According to them, they think my case is normal. They re-lock my wheels and make sure that they are as tight as it should be. I also request for a tire pressure checking. Pressures seem normal. Both of them are 36 PSI (it should be at 35, but I guess it shouldn't matter much).

In my opinion, my steering wheel seems lighter after the two rear tires are installed. Perhaps that's one of the reasons that I felt the drift on the highway. I also wonder if different tires could have caused the different driving experience.

One other concern is that, my front two tires are Dunlop with regular air inside. The new rear tires are Michelin with nitrogen air inside. According to Costco, this shouldn't matter.

I will observe for a few more days and come back with new feedbacks. Thanks for all the tips.

hail: if you are switching to the same tires, please share with me on your driving experience after the tires are installed. In my opinion, you don't need to spend big bucks on Run-Flat.